By SKOOTA PROJECTS has announced that the short film “さざ波の少女たち” has been selected for screening at the International Animation Film Festival held in Zagreb! (This article is a reprint of the press release distributed by Skoota Films on May 23, 2024.)
The short film “さざ波の少女たち” produced by Skoota Films, an animation studio primarily focused on original IP development, has been selected for the FILMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH COMPETITION (14 years and older) at the “Zagreb International Animation Film Festival,” which will be held in Croatia from June 3, 2024.
This festival is held annually in June in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and is known as one of the “three major animation film festivals in the world,” alongside Annecy and Ottawa. Many Japanese films, including works by directors such as Yoji Kuri, Jun Wada, and Miku Mizue, have been screened here, with notable awards going to Osamu Tezuka’s “ジャンピング” and Koji Yamamura’s “頭山.” Last year, films like “Our Pain” directed by Shunsaku Hayashi and “いきものさん：カメの回” by Jun Wada were selected for the Grand Competition Short Film category, while “アムリタの饗宴” by Saku Sakamoto was featured in the Grand Competition Feature Film category. Additionally, “Thank you for sharing your world” by Yu Sakudo was selected for the VR ANIMATION COMPETITION, and Mamoru Oshii’s “GHOST IN THE SHELL / 攻殻機動隊” was featured in a thematic screening titled SCIENCE FICTION IN ANIMATION, showcasing a broad interest in Japanese works.
“さざ波の少女たち” is a short animation set in a fictional small port town near Aomori City, depicting the story of two girls: Haruka Arima, a model student praised by both teachers and peers, and Rin Toratani, who struggles to fit into the “normal” expectations of society and becomes a truant. The film explores how these two seemingly unrelated individuals come to know each other through a trivial encounter and become special to one another.
This work is based on the director’s personal experiences and revolves around the meeting of “Haruka” and “Rin,” two girls attending a high school in a small port town in Aomori. It aims to capture the “ripples” of emotions that arise from the malice hidden in the hearts of adolescent girls and the unexpressed truths that bubble up within them.
The director, writer, character designer, and art director is Michiko Soma, an illustrator and animation creator based in Aomori Prefecture. Soma, who also works under the name toubou. on social media, has produced music videos such as “雲を恋う” by Keina Suda and “トロイメライ” by Oishikuru Melonpan. Known for her style of depicting adolescent girls, she personally illustrated all the background art for this film, effectively conveying the director’s vision. Currently, Skoota Films is concurrently developing the “さざ波プロジェクト,” which focuses on the daily lives of the two girls featured in the film through snapshot-like illustrations and poetry, with plans for future expansions into various genres such as illustrated poetry collections and visual novel games.
Director’s Comment
Through a series of mysterious connections, “さざ波の少女たち” has taken me far beyond my imagination. I hope you witness their dazzling moments. May tomorrow be a slightly better day.
Director’s Profile
Michiko Soma/toubou. Born November 10, 1999, from Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Graduated from the Painting Course of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tohoku University of Art and Design. She has been sharing her original illustrations on social media and has been involved in music video production since her school days, including the MV for “トロイメライ” by Oishikuru Melonpan and “雲を恋う” by Keina Suda. She has been with Skoota Films since November 2022, working on the “さざ波プロジェクト.”
Work Information
Original Story, Script, Direction, Character Design, Art: Michiko Soma
Planning and Production, Animation Production: Skoota Films
さざ波プロジェクト Site: https://skoota.jp/sazanami/index.html
Film Special Page: https://skoota.jp/sazanami/cinema.html
About the Zagreb International Animation Film Festival
Established in 1972 in Zagreb, Croatia, this festival specializes in animation and is held annually in June. It is known as one of the “three major animation film festivals in the world,” alongside Annecy and Ottawa.
About Skoota Films
With the motto “Try everything yourself first,” Skoota Films collaborates with various creators and producers both inside and outside the company to produce a wide range of creative projects. It is part of the Twin Engine Group and focuses on original IP development in animation, vertical reading manga, and indie games. Additionally, it operates the web media “SKOOTA” as a creative activity biotope.
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